The HJC V10 is a retro-infused helmet with all the comfort and practicality of a sports-touring lid

The HJC V10 motorcycle helmet joined the firm’s range in 2023 as a retro-infused street helmet that would look equally at home on a naked muscle bike or a retro scrambler. It’s lightweight (1422g on my scales in Large with the Pinlock fitted) and has a low profile, but still meets the latest ECE 22.06 safety testing regulations.

Retro helmets (in the Lego man style) have been a popular choice in the custom and retro scene with brands like Bell, Nexx and Hedon offering options that look at home in the Bike Shed with the latest safety standards still met. The HJC V10 does a similar job but also straddles the street fighter scene where brands like Simpson and Ruroc have enjoyed success.

Other helmets in HJC’s V range include the V60 off-road retro and the V31 open face.

Is the HJC V10 helmet comfortable?

I’ve been wearing the V10 through winter/early spring and so I’ve had the chin curtain fitted for warmth, but it does make putting the helmet on and taking it off a bit of a squeeze. Once you’ve got it on, the helmet is very comfortable (on my head at least) and feels lightweight and easy to wear for long journeys.

The visor catch is easy to operate in thick gloves as is the chin vent slide (which is located on the inside of the chin bar). The brow vents are slightly trickier to open and close on the move, but still possible.

I’m impressed by how quiet the V10 is on the move. Even riding a naked bike at motorway speed, the wind noise is minimal. I was expecting more due to the constantly open outer chin vent ports and the general lightweight (budget, even) feel of the lid. But the noise levels are easily as low as premium helmets I’ve used with more traditional, full-face styling.

I rode with the chin vents closed for a short trip in very cold conditions and the visor steamed up within five minutes – even with the Pinlock fitted – so I wouldn’t reach for it if the temperature is low enough to warrant closed vents. Even with all the vents open on warmer days, the ventilation isn’t all that great and although I’m yet to try it due to the time of year, I suspect it would get hot in high summer.

The HJC V10 Visor

The vision is good from the visor including when the Pinlock (which comes in the box) is fitted. It comes with a clear visor but there are smoked (road legal) and dark (not road legal) options available, too.

A firm push clicks the visor into the fully closed position and then a push on the lever-style opening mechanism pops it back open. This is a very simple action and easy to complete, even in the thickest of winter gloves.

To swap the visor, you have to undo retro screw-style fasteners but they have a captive flip-out mechanism that lets you turn them without the need for a 2p piece or a screwdriver. It takes a little bit of time and doesn’t have the quick-release ease of a modern system but the look is in keeping with the general style of the helmet and so it makes sense.

How good is the HJC V10 Ventilation?

As mentioned above, the chin vent comprises six, always-open ports on the outside with a slider that can block them off from the inside. They are covered with mesh to keep the worst of the debris and bug splats out.

You also get two brow vents that HJC say use a channelling ventilation system, but I’m not completely convinced by this. I’ll have to report back once I’ve used it in summer, but I’ve felt myself getting quite warm even in 15°C conditions.

Is the HJC V10 Noisy?

I’ve worn a few of these retro-style helmets before and when I lifted the V10 from the box, my instinct was that it would be a noisy lid – but I was completely wrong. It’s very quiet, even compared to some modern full-face lids I’ve worn.

What about the look of the HJC V10?

The looks are likely to split opinion and the mesh chin vents are a little on the piggy side, but I think it works overall. What I can say for certain is that the paint finish is exceptional – especially when you consider the price point.

There’s a rich, deep, metallic sheen on the colours in this Grape MC21 design – which has more than a little of the Kevin Schwantz about it. The interior looks good from a distance with its quilted liner and faux leather around the base but it feels a little bit budget in your hands.

Is the HJC V10 good quality?

This is a tale of two halves really. The external finish and paint quality are truly excellent, but there’s just something palpably lacking. It’s not flimsy, but it doesn’t feel premium, either. That said, I would be perfectly happy with the quality and feel for the £299.99 price tag.

Is the HJC V10 value for money?

The retro helmet world was chock-a-block with contenders a couple of years ago but not all of them have been updated for the ECE 22.06 helmet testing standard. The Bell Bullit and Nexx X.G100R are both ECE 22.05 helmets and any existing stock will be the last in the UK. Both were also more expensive than the V10 when they were current, despite sitting in a similar quality point.

A Shoei Glamster is a more substantial and modern-feeling helmet and has been updated to 22.06 but it costs £509.99 (RRP) and an Arai Rapide is even more expensive at £549.99 (RRP).

When you consider that the HJC also carries the backing of a three-year warranty, it represents great value.

My verdict on the HJC V10 helmet

If the looks are up your street and you’re looking for something to wear predominantly in spring through to autumn, the HJC V10 is a great option. It may not have the lustre and premium feel of more expensive helmets but for the asking price, it’s a really good quality option.

I wouldn’t feel short changed if I spent my own money on one and when you add in the warranty and the Pinlock being included, it seems an even sweeter deal.

I do still have my reservations about using it in very hot weather and will report back later in the year on that front.

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